Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/264

242&#93; he last mentioned species is tjetlef calculated to withstand tlae effects of severe frosts tlian the common Mulberry-tree; that it is, therefore, prefer.?b)y cultivated in the nor- thern parts of Germany, for in- stance, Saxony, Brandenburg, Po- Kierania, and Prussia 3 vhere it thrives with uncommon lux.uri- anee, k' planted in a moderately rich, though sandy soil; and if -properly sheltered from the cold north- winds. — This observation is •amply confirmed by the considera- ble quantities of raw silk annually produced in the Prussian domi- 'nions from the leaves of that tree, Avhich afford the.most proper nu- <triment to silk-worms. MULE, or Ef/inis Miilus, a mongrel khid of quadrupeds, par- taking both of the nature of ahorse and an ass. Mules are very hardy animals, 'and therefore much used in warm climates, where they are preferred to horses, for the purposes of either draught or carriage. Considerable numbers are likewise employed in Ireland, and in some of the northern counties of Britain, on account of their great strength and durability. These animals sometimes attain the height of 15 or Id hands; though, in general, they do not ex- ceed 14. When in gond condition, they are worth from 20 to 40, and -even 50l. each, being particularly calculated for carrj'ing heavy bur- thens. They are, besides, sure- footed, and attain a great age ; in- statices of mules tliirty years old, Kavitig occurred in Ireland, and wliich, nevertheless, were in the "fiill possession of their vigour. "The inules bred in cold conn- 'bieff, Tire reputed to be more haidy, ■ihd fit for labour, than such as are MUL feared In warm climates, Henc^ they deserve to be more generally piopagated in Britain. Fof tlii^ purpose, however, it will be re- quisite previously to procure a strong male ass, and two females, which should be well fed and kept in good order. Their colts ought, likewise, to be carefully attended, fed, and littered, being kept under shelter in the winter, and the sta- ble-door left open in the summer, that the animals may exercise themselves in the air, for one or two hours, during the middle of the day. By such management, the breed of colts will be considera- bly improved ,- and, at the end of three years, the males will be fit for the purpose. The mares se- lected for the stud, should be young, of a lively turn, small limbed, and with a head of a mo- derate size. The-se, with proper attention, will drop foals ; each of which, at the age of three months, are said to be worth from ten to twenty guineas. During the first winter, it will be necessary to house the mule colts, so that they may be fre- quently handled, in order to ren- der them trattabie. When three years old, they may be Iroken in, but it will not be advisable to work them to any considerable ex- tent, tin they have attained the fourth year of their age; after which time they will, if properly treated, continue in full vigour till they are past thirty, and even forty years. — It should, however, be remarked, that no wheat, or rye-straw, ought to be given them for their food, whether whole or cut ; as it greatly disagrees with their nature, and incapacitates- them ■ for performing hard labour. —By the SStli Geo. III. c 41, § 2j the